ART, Session 11...

The doctor-patient relationship is an interesting one. It is unique, powerful, and special in so many different ways. In my relationship with my ART doc, I think I am starting to glimpse what my clients may feel like with me sometimes. You come in for the first time hurting...physically, emotionally, or both. You are hopeful that something will make you feel better, but skeptical and perhaps mistrustful initially. You cling to the positive that you are given, but don't always abide by the doctor's orders. But, you persist...you do the work with the doc. You spend time together and get to know each other. And, the tide begins to turn...you see the possibility of change and real improvement. You are grateful.

I had my 1st session of ART a month and a half ago. I've gone twice a week, with a couple of exceptions when I only went once. I am so grateful for the decrease in my symptoms. The doc was excited to hear about my great 13.1 mile run over the weekend. He joked that I'm going to be his testimonial on their website. I would happily do it.

So, today was the usual ART on my lower legs followed by andoyne. He initially said that I could skip the anodyne today (it takes 25 minutes or so), but I said nope. I reminded him that we didn't do it last Monday and then I started hurting again during my runs last week, so I didn't want to take any chances. He laughed.

I told him about my shoe problems on Sunday and showed him the results. He's like K and wanted to touch the area - um, NO, it hurts. Interestingly, the ART hurt much more on my left leg than it has in weeks. Since that is the leg that I was primarily having the foot problems with during the run, he suggested that I was probably trying to compensate by running more on the outside of the foot since the sensitive area was on the inside of the foot. So, he didn't seem too concerned about the re-emergence of the pain there. I gotta get "the right" pair of shoes!

Next session is on Monday.